Synchronized sound producing amusement device

• US 4,904,222 A
• Filed: 04/27/1988
• Issued: 02/27/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 04/27/1988
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Atochem North America Inc (Arkema)
• Original Assignee: Pennwalt Corporation (Arkema)
• Inventors: Gastgeb, Raymond F., Tom, Edward
• Primary Examiner(s): Yu, Mickey
• Application Number:
  US07/186,519
• Time in Patent Office: 671 Days
• Field of Search: 446/405, 446/397, 446/473, 446/484, 446/485, 310/800, 310/339, 310/330, 310/331, 84/DIG. 24, 84/422 S, 84/1.04, 84/1.06, 84/1.14
• US Class Current: 446/405
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 33/009 Toy swords or similar toy weapons; Toy shields
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 5/00 Musical or noise- producing devices for additional toy effects other than acoustical musical tops A63H1/28; sound-producing dolls A63H3/28; musical toy vehicles A63H17/268; acoustical vehicle-signalling devices A63H17/32; whistling toy locomotive arrangements A63H19/14; music, sound or noise production in general G10
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 310/80 Piezoelectric polymers, e.g. PVDF
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 84/24 Piezoelectrical transducers

Abstract

An amusement device is disclosed which contains a signal generator attached to a flexible member. When the flexible member is repeatedly waved, an oscillatory electrical signal is produced by the signal generator and supplied to a sound generator which produces sound which synchronously varies with the repeated flexure of the member caused by the waving action. The sound generator produces a first tone with respect to the oscillatory electrical signal and a second tone when the frequency of the oscillatory electrical signal exceeds a predetermined value.

Claims

1. An amusement device, comprising:

a flexible member;

a signal generating means attached to said member for producing an oscillatory electrical signal when said member is repeatedly flexed; and

a sound generating means responsive to said electrical signal for producing sound which synchronously varies with the repeated flexure of said member, said sound generating means including circuitry for producing a first tone which varies in loudness proportionally with the voltage of said oscillatory electrical signal and a second tone which varies in loudness proportionally with the voltage of said oscillatory electrical signal when the frequency of said oscillatory electrical signal exceeds a predetermined value.

2. An amusement device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a light generating means responsive to said electrical signal for producing a light response which synchronously varies with the repeated flexure of said member.

3. An amusement device according to claim 1 wherein said signal generating means comprises a flexible piezoelectric element.

4. An amusement device according to claim 3 wherein said flexible member is of a size and shape to be hand held.

5. An amusement device according to claim 3 wherein said flexible piezoelectric element is a piezoelectric polymer film having opposed electroconductive surfaces.

6. An amusement device according to claim 5 wherein said flexible member is in the shape of a sword.

7. An amusement device according to claim 5 wherein said flexible member is in the shape of a drumstick.

8. An amusement device, comprising:

a sword having a handle and a blade, said blade is fabricated from a material which flexes when the sword is waved by hand;

a flexible piezoelectric element attached to the blade of said sword for producing an oscillatory electrical signal when the blade is repeatedly flexed; and

sound generating means electrically connected to said element and responsive to said electrical signal for producing sound which synchronously varies with the repeated flexure of said blade, said sound generating means including circuitry for producing a first tone which varies in loudness proportionally with the voltage of said oscillatory electrical signal and a second tone which varies in loudness proportionally with the voltage of said oscillatory electrical signal when the frequency of said oscillatory electrical signal exceeds a predetermined value.

9. An amusement device according to claim 8, further comprising:

a light generating means responsive to said electrical signal for producing a light response which synchronously varies with the repeated flexure of said blade.

10. An amusement device according to claim 8 wherein said flexible piezoelectric element is a piezoelectric polymer film having opposed electroconductive surfaces.

11. An amusement device according to claim 10 wherein said flexible piezoelectric element is integrally formed within said blade.

12. An amusement device according to claim 10 wherein said piezoelectric polymer film with opposed electroconductive surfaces is folded such that one of said opposed electroconductive surfaces is in a face-to-face relationship and a portion of the other said opposed electroconductive surfaces is attached to said blade.